New Briefing Paper and Podcast From ULC: “Libraries, Publishers and Public Access to E-Books”

A four page briefing paper was recently released by the Urban Libraries Council. Copies of the paper were distributed during last week’s National Legislative Day here in D.C.
From a ULC Blog Post:

Created in collaboration with ULC’s E-Books Steering Committee and The Hatcher Group, a Washington, D.C. communications firm, these documents can be used as resources to educate local, national and civic leaders in your community.

From the Briefing Document:

E-books are increasingly popular, but until recently major publishers refused to sell or license e-books to public libraries. Many publishers that  do sell or license are engaging in extreme price gouging, overpricing  e-books that deter libraries from buying them. Along with the inability to offer e-books comes the inability for libraries to exercise the core  function of providing equitable access to information.
Congress needs to be aware that maintaining equal access to materials  needs to be safeguarded, and the Urban Libraries Council and other  national library associations are urging Congress to begin monitoring this issue.

Direct to Full Text (4 pages; PDF)
Direct to Summary (2 pages; PDF)
Audio: A recording of a ULC webinar held on May 3, 2013 to introduce the briefing paper is now available as a 30-minute podcast. Download here.
Hat Tip: @mattrweaver

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Companies (Publishers/Vendors), Journal Articles, Libraries, News, Podcasts, Public Libraries